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Co-ed vs. Single Sex Schools

Campus social life is likely to be very different at co-ed and single sex schools.

If you’re considering the pros and cons of single sex and co-ed schools, you’ll certainly come across some strong feelings on both sides of the issue.

But remember: You have to decide what is best for you. Some students simply prefer single-sex schools while others prefer co-ed schools. But how do you decide?

Pros and Cons of Single Sex Schools

Many students at single sex schools point to the lack of opposite sex as an enormous advantage.

Many students find it easier to focus on academics when they aren’t distracted by members of the opposite sex, and may find it easier to participate actively in classes where everyone is the same sex. Others enjoy the camaraderie that often connects classmates at single-sex schools.

But that advantage can also be a disadvantage.

For one thing, student diversity suffers at a single sex school. In addition, although it may be easier for students to participate actively and do well academically at a single sex institution, the real world is not single sex. It may prove difficult for students from single sex schools to adjust to a co-ed work atmosphere after they graduate.

Pros and Cons of Co-ed Schools

Co-ed schools are likely to offer you more in the way of student diversity. Having both men and women in classes allow students of both sexes to interact with a wider range of people and learn how to work with and talk to people of the opposite sex.

However, the mixing of the sexes can also serve as a disadvantage for some students at co-ed schools. Students who are intimidated by the opposite sex may find it difficult to participate in class at co-ed schools, while others (admit it!) simply find the opposite sex to be a distraction from their academic work.

What About Dating?

For many heterosexual students, dating is one of the biggest issues at stake when considering co-ed schools, single sex schools and the impact their choice will have on the social life of campus. Co-ed schools offer the obvious benefit that the dating pool on campus is all-encompassing.

However, as previously mentioned, some students find it more difficult to focus on academics at co-ed schools. After all, it’s hard to listen to your professor’s lecture when you’re constantly looking at that cute classmate across the aisle!

Single sex schools may be a major turn-off for heterosexual students who believe that their dating options will be severely limited. Most single sex schools take this concern into consideration, however.

Many provide shuttles that take students to other (co-ed) campuses to socialize on the weekends, or into nearby cities.

Your school’s location can also make a difference. If you are attending an urban school — co-ed or single-sex — you’ll have people of every sex just outside the campus gates!